Chapter 1
F.I.N.R.
It was unusually cold that day, even for Russia. The day Sumeragi first arrived, the day the oppression began, was the coldest day. It was the darkest too, the black smoke omitted from their drones had mixed with the snowfall to create a disgusting, grey slush that coated all of the land. It was hard to pinpoint exactly when that cold day was. Ever since the Sumeragi forces merged with the Russian government, many people stopped caring. The common theory was seven years. However, for Shura, and many other members of the revolutionary army, it felt much longer.
In truth, there had always been conflict over Adepts in Russia. Ever since the 7th Lifewave, the Septimal Wave was discovered, the country had been consumed in anarchy. The bigot humans, trying to take advantage and cleanse Russia of the "Adept Impurities," while many Adepts spent much of their time abusing their newfound powers. The Russian government tried stopping these conflicts, but ultimately, they failed to do anything. Of course, this all changed once Sumeragi intervened. They felt their success in Japan after the appointment of their new leader was so glorious, they had to expand. The conglomerate had taken over several countries. At first, it seemed as though they were only providing support to their militaries, but soon after, they had almost completely taken over all of their territories.
Many Adepts, were displeased with the merge between Russia and Sumeragi. They had begun hunting down all Adepts who didn't comply with their Swordsmen Program. There was only three choices for an Adept who crossed paths with Sumeragi, either surrender and give up your control of your powers, get caught and transported to S-FIT for experimentation, or quite simply, death.
Because of the constant unrelated incidents of insubordination, it was only natural that a rebel army was formed. The First Infantry of New Russia started as a small militia, but grew into a large scale army, strong enough to even combatant those at Q.U.I.L.L. The army had grown into a total of 154 different platoons.
Belonging to one of FINR's smallest platoons, Squad 67, was Shura Mihaylov. He was only 14 years old, and as far as Adepts go, he was inexperienced. But FINR still accepted him for their experimental troop, comprised solely of underage soldiers, with the exception of their Captain and Lieutenant.
Shura Mihaylov, along with many other soldiers of Squad 67, had lost much of his own life during Sumeragi's initial offensive strike towards rebellious Adepts. Shura's brother, being one of those Adepts, was targeted, along with the rest of his family. Shura, along with his older sister, who was now the captain of FINR's Squad 38, were the only two survivors of his extensive family of 10.
Shura stood overlooking the remains of one of the former Adept ghetto's. Shura's former home after the demise of his family. The area was marketed as a safe place that Sumeragi was generously giving to all Adepts, disobedient or not. The only Adepts not to be stuffed inside one of the ghetto's were Sumeragi Swordsmen or on the lamb rebel soldiers. Shura overlooked the remains of the ghetto where he had been sent. He overlook the ashes of all the buildings Sumeragi had burned. And all the crosses that had been thrusted into the ground to symbolize the fallen innocents. He saw the bombed buildings and the dried blood stains that coated each inch of the destroyed homes.
Shura's captain, Oshurkov Artemovik walked behind Shura, about to speak, he was interrupted by Shura, "Captain, Sir, permission to speak?" His eyes still focused on the sight before him.
"Yes, Private Mihaylov?"
"How many people⦠do you think Sumeragi killed here?" Shura turned to his commanding officer, his face riddled with a face that could only be responded with pity.
"Private, it's important to not fixate on the past. Nor to worry about our losses, but to instead focus on our victories."
"Yes, sir." Shura said, trying to adhere to Captain Artemovik's advice.
"Anyways, Private Shura, we'll be leaving towards Sector Eight in 10 minutes to provide support for Squad 86 and 120. So gather up your thoughts and meet up with the rest of the crew. I'd advise you to eat your lunch too, you look a little starved."
Shura raised his stiff hand to the top of his brow, "Yes, sir."
Author's Note
My first story on the site. I've been working on and off on this, but now that it's summer, I hope to be able to update at least bi-weekly, if not sooner. Reviews are always appreciated, negative or positive, so please, leave a review, favorite, or follow, it really makes my day.
-Clouxjin
